The Digester

China sets 2026 GDP target at 4.5 to 5 percent as slowdown persists

Mar 5th 2026

At the annual Two Sessions meeting in Beijing, China lowered its 2026 GDP target to 4.5 to 5 percent and outlined fiscal, defence and social priorities as it tackles a property slump, weak demand and demographic pressures.

  • The National People’s Congress approved a 2026 GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent.
  • China recorded 5 percent GDP growth last year, with output of 140.19 trillion RMB.
  • Beijing plans about 30 trillion RMB in public spending for 2026 and a 7 percent rise in defence spending.
  • Policy focus is shifting from rapid growth to higher quality growth, consumption and advanced technology development.
  • Key challenges include a collapsed property sector, deflationary pressure, weak consumer confidence and high youth unemployment.
  • The government pledged measures on demographics and environment, aiming for a childbirth friendly society and peak carbon emissions by 2030.

Sources

aljazeera.com